Despite her undeniable sex symbol status, Raquel Welch was able to carve out her own place in Hollywood, playing strong women on-screen.

In the new issue of Closer Weekly, Raquel tells the magazine: “Well, back then, my image wasn’t sexualized.”

Raquel in One Million Years B.C. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Her role on the 1966 hit blockbuster One Million Years B.C. has left a lasting impression on fans thanks to her doeskin bikini costume. However, Raquel tells Closer, “I didn’t feel I was being exploited.”

“Sure, some of my publicity stills were sexy bathing suit shots, but my image was not overtly sexualized,” she shares with Closer at the NALIP Latino Media Awards.

The stunning 74-year-old chooses not to live in the past. “I don’t look back,” Raquel says. “It’s impossible to live up to your former self.”

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